25 Ways to Speak Your Child’s Love Language

Do you know what your children’s love languages are? Have you ever thought about it?

If you’re not familiar with the 5 Love Languages, basically it’s a concept that states that different people give and receive love best in one of five different ways:

Words of Encouragement

Acts of Service

Quality Time

Physical Touch

Gift Giving

While most people would be happy to receive any of the five, almost everyone has one or two they prefer over all of the others.

And if you can figure out which love languages your children prefer, it becomes way easier to love them better, in the ways that matter most to them!

For example, my children love physical touch.

When I tell them how cute or how smart they are (words of affirmation), it tends to go in one ear and out the other. And when I ask if they want to bake banana bread with me or go run errands with me (quality time), half the time they’d rather not.

But if they’re having a rough day, snuggling up on the couch with mum always makes it better. It’s how they feel most loved.

Since then, it has become so popular that Chapman later went on to write multiple other versions, including The 5 Love Languages of Children, The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace and many others.

While the idea behind the 5 love languages hasn’t changed much since the original book first came out, the way you apply the concept can vary quite a bit depending on who you’re trying to relate to.

2. Set the chores aside and play or just hang out with your children instead.

3. Take your children out shopping, to a movie, or for ice cream.

4. Talk to your children about their day while you drive together in the car.

5. Take a class or take up a hobby together.

Physical Touch

If your children have the “Physical Touch” love language, they’ll feel most loved when you can incorporate friendly, loving touch into their day. Here are 5 ways to do just that:

1. Hug them every day.

2. Snuggle on the couch while you watch a movie or read books.

3. Get in tickle fights or wrestling matches.

4. Place a hand on their arm or shoulder.

5. Kiss them goodnight.

Gifts

While all kids love getting toys and presents, for kids with the “Gifts” love language, these little gifts mean so much more. They aren’t just excited to have a new toy. They feel loved because you took the time to find a tangible way to give them a bit of love. Here are 5 ways you can do just that:

1. Bring them home presents “just because.”

2. Buy souvenirs when you travel – either together or separately.

3. Buy them the latest “thing” they’ve had their eye on.

4. Help them start a collection and add to it whenever you can (stamps, stickers, anything will do).

5. Make sure they have a shelf or other special spot to display all their gifts and mementos.